MFA Press Statement: Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to the Republic of India to Pay Respects to the Late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Her Excellency J Jayalalithaa, 6 December 2016

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan paying his respects to the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Her Excellency J Jayalalithaa at the Rajaji Hall, 6 December 2016 (Photo credit: MFA)

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan paying his respects to the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Her Excellency J Jayalalithaa at the Rajaji Hall, 6 December 2016 (Photo credit: MFA)

          
                    Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Tamil Nadu, India, today to pay his respects to the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Her Excellency J Jayalalithaa.  Minister Balakrishnan laid a wreath at the funeral which was held at the Rajaji Hall.

                    Minister Balakrishnan has also written to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, His Excellency O Panneerselvam, to convey Singapore’s deepest condolences to the people of Tamil Nadu on their loss.

                    The text of the letter is appended.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
6 DECEMBER 2016

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Letter from Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu His Excellency O Panneerselvam

6 December 2016

His Excellency O Panneerselvam
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Republic of India

Your Excellency

                    Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Excellency J Jayalalithaa.

                    The late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa dedicated her life to the socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu and through her leadership, Tamil Nadu grew to become one of India’s key economies and industrialised states.  She was also a strong proponent of building closer relations between Tamil Nadu and Singapore.  I have never forgotten meeting her more than a decade ago in Chennai.  She graciously made time for me.  Her passion, energy and grand vision were so inspiring.  India has lost a great daughter and Singapore a staunch friend.  It was therefore with deep sadness that I had attended her funeral to pay my last respects.  Her Excellency Jayalalithaa left an indelible mark in Tamil Nadu and will be missed.

                    Please accept, Your Excellency, my deepest sympathies and condolences to you and the people of Tamil Nadu during this time of grief.

Yours sincerely,

DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN